LANGHORNE, PA – Cairn University Athletics has announced the elevation of Women's Flag Football to varsity status for the 2025-26 athletic year, becoming Cairn's 14th varsity program, after playing at club status in 2024-25.

In coordination with Women's Flag Football's sponsorship as a varsity sport by the United East Conference in 2025-26, Cairn University Athletics has announced the elevation of Women's Flag Football to varsity status for the 2025-26 athletic year, becoming Cairn's 14th varsity program, after playing at club status in 2024-25. 

Cairn University became the sixth institution to sponsor women's flag football in the United East as the conference joined the Atlantic East Conference as the second NCAA Division III conference to announce its sponsorship of women's flag football and the fourth conference among all divisions in the NCAA (Division II's Conference Carolinas & Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association).

Mike Landis, who served the Women's Flag Football program in 2025 as the Head Coach under club status has been elevated to varsity Head Coach as the sport becomes the 21st sport sponsored by the United East with the first conference championship to be hosted in spring 2026. 

Landis has years of coaching experience in the area, both at Dock Mennonite Academy and Faith Christian Academy, his alma mater. Mike is also a head coach and club owner at Rise Above Sports, LLC, a BucksMont Area Youth Flag Football Organization serving youth in the community by building habits of sportsmanship and leadership. Landis is a photographer by trade with 22 years of experience under Mike Landis Photographer. 

On his elevation to varsity head coach, Babb mentioned, "Women's Flag Football is one of the fastest growing sports with our conference and university and we're excited to elevate it to a varsity sport. Mike Landis is one of the most knowledgeable and passionate coaches that I have known, and he will help lead us in this new era. I am so excited for all of our outstanding female student-athletes to receive this opportunity, and they are going to benefit from receiving his leadership in the sport and in their walk with Christ." 

The conference's addition of women's flag football has been coordinated with the National Football League (NFL) and RCX Sports Foundation.